Central African Republic

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The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country located in central Africa, south of Chad and Sudan and north of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The population is about 5 million people. The government is a republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.

The CAR gained independence from France in 1960. The government has been unstable since that time. Described as a failed state, the CAR remains one of the least developed countries in the world. Human trafficking, children recruited for military use, as well as other human rights violations are large problems in the CAR. Recent violence and ethnic fighting have displaced thousands of people and some groups have warned of genocide. Despite a wealth of rich natural resources, political instability, corruption, and ongoing violence keep this country one of the poorest in the world.

Currency	XAF: Central African CFA franc
Language	French; Sangho commonly spoken
Capital	Bangui
Recent Alerts	None
Latest Alert	Not Available

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Central African Republic. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Central African Republic through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Central African Republic.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Central African Republic, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Meningitis Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Central African Republic. Travellers who visit during the dry season (December to June) or expect to have prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.
Yellow Fever There is risk of yellow fever in this country. All persons 9 months of age or older must have proof of the yellow fever vaccination on arrival.
Rabies Rabies occurs in the Central African Republic. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Cholera Cholera outbreaks have occurred in Central African Republic. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.
Sleeping Sickness (Type 1) There is an increased risk for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors or visiting game parks. Travellers to urban areas not at risk.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Central African Republic. Travellers to Central African Republic are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Malaria All areas of Central African Republic are at risk for malaria.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.
Zika Fever Zika fever may occur in this country.
African Tick Bite Fever There is an increased risk of this disease in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Central African Republic.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Meningitis Vaccine Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).
Yellow Fever Vaccine This country requires all persons 9 months of age or older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination on arrival.
Rabies Vaccine Pre-travel vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) and who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Persons with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Central African Republic.

Anti-malarial Drugs Recommended anti-malaria medications includes atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Safety and Security in Central African Republic

Emergency Numbers

118

236 21 61 30 72 Police

114

117

2161-2200 Gendarmerie

Emergency assistance is extremely limited and unresponsive.

Personal Safety

The security situation in the CAR is very unstable due to armed rebel activity, kidnapping, banditry, and general lawlessness. Armed robbery and theft occur regularly. There is a curfew in place from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am. Avoid carrying valuables. Do not walk alone at night.

Travel by road is dangerous due to armed groups, robbery, and roadblocks, both official and illegal. Roads are generally in very poor condition. During the wet season, some roads are impassable. If travelling outside the capital take supplies and fuel, always travel with a convoy, and do not travel at night.

If travelling outside of Bangui, check to see what restrictions may be in place for foreigners.

Do not photograph governmental buildings, military establishments, or power plants.

Although same-sex sexual activity is not prohibited in the CAR, it is not socially accepted and could result in severe punishment.

Extreme Violence

There is a very high risk of extreme violence in CAR.

Political Unrest

Demonstrations occur can turn violent. Always avoid any large public gatherings or demonstrations. In some countries, it is illegal for foreigners to participate in political activities.

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Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

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Updated: December 15, 2020